Eagles-Redskins pregame thoughts

The Eagles have a chance today to get the fans back on their side, to begin reversing the ever-eroding confidence in coach Andy Reid, defensive coordinator Juan Castillo and the defense in general.

A win also could save their season, though not necessarily so. But a loss would mean the end for sure.

Put it this way: The Eagles have never lost five in a row under Reid, and if they do now, the wheels could very well come off.

A few things:

1. Winston Justice will start today at right tackle. Heard that from his trainer away from the NovaCare Complex, who said Justice is moving better than he has in the last two months and is encouraged. That obviously means King Dunlap's back spasms haven't stopped.

2. If ever there's an offense for this defense to get well against, it's the one run by the Redskins and mediocre quarterback Rex Grossman and an offensive line that's average at best. On top of that, tight end Chris Cooley's production has dropped off dramatically, something Redskins coach Mike Shanahan attributes to a balky knee. Cooley is 29. Just sayin'

3. Getting quite tired of hearing cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is too uncomfortable playing a zone. The guy's been in the league nine years. Not every call is going to allow him to bump and run. Plus, if he's so good in man-to-man coverage, zone should not be that much of a challenge, especially when you take into account how bright he is. Bottom line, Asomugha has got to start earning his money, starting yesterday.

4. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday. Even if the Eagles kick some major hiney today, wouldn't be surprised if they did something there.